``Defense won the game,`` said sophomore Mike Lipnisky, who led the charge with six steals and a career-high 19 points. After missing four straight free throws early in the second half against Idaho State, Lipnisky hit five in a row, a basket and two three-pointers.

Northern`s perimeter defense was particularly pleasing to Hammel. And the backcourt tandem of Tucker and Mike Lipnisky is one Hammel believes will be heard from in the future.

``Both Mike (out last season with a back injury) and Randy (junior college transfer) are a bit of a mystery right now,`` he said. ``They`ve come a long way in a short time,`` he said. ``They`re far from the top of their games,`` he said, ``but I wouldn`t trade them for anybody in our league.``

The Huskies don`t get into Mid-Continent Conference play until Jan. 11, when they play host to Valparaiso. After Monday are stops at Texas A & M and Chicago State.

``We`re far from the team we can be,`` Hammel said. ``Jan. 11 . . . that`s when we want things clicking.``